Articles by Arjun Rajan

India’s dubious distinction in terms of air quality is widely discussed, but the focus of discussion has typically been outdoor pollution. Yet, right here in Bengaluru, indoor pollution poses serious risks for several communities, cutting across class. What are the sources of indoor pollution and how can it be addressed?

The Beyond Carlton Memorial Lecture ‘ Our cities on Fire’ was held during the anniversary of Carlton Towers fire, after nine years of the tragedy. A campaign to assess fire risk assessments for apartments was launched. A food delivery boy who saved 10 people at a hospital fire in Mumbai was felicitated.

Very little has been done over the years by the authorities in rejuvenating Varthur lake. The recent National Green Tribunal order on Varthur and Bellandur lakes comes as a respite to the citizens around the area.

Bengaluru is about to get a separate collection system for segregated wet, sanitary and street sweeping waste. There has been opposition to this proposal especially from councillors, but BBMP will be going ahead with this plan.

Sarakki lake saw a host of demolitions when it got flooded a few years ago. Lake teams working for the rejuvenation of the lake have had an eventful journey along with the lake, which will see water entering into it in a few months.

Years of follow ups have not been able to help the KCDC plant in HSR Layout function scientifically, and residents are bearing the brunt. A residents welfare association has recently filed a writ petition in the High Court demanding the closure of the plant.

Yet another research shows that pedestrians are the most vulnerable when it comes to road accidents. The Footpath Initiative attempts to promote pedestrian safety with the help of data-based analysis on pedestrian crashes in Bengaluru.

State Cabinet has decided to amend the Right to Education rules to go for private schools only where government schools do not exist. Legal precedence doesn’t support this. What are the implications of the amendment, and what are parents worried about?

With over 6000 buses, many of them being very old, the city transport system in Bengaluru could easily be a bulk entity that can be targeted for vehicular emission. The BMTC has also realised this—it is evident in the steps taken to put in place systems to control emissions and improve the quality of vehicles.